Name: Cornflake Chicken Tenders with Honey Mustard Sauce Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 25 min
Total time: 40 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 2 lbs. chicken tenders (~12 chicken strips); 2/3 cup All-Purpose Flour; 1 tsp. kosher salt; 1 tsp. Italian seasoning; 1/4 tsp. chili powder; 2 large eggs, whisked; 2 Tbsp. water; 3 cups cornflakes, crushed; Non-stick baking spray; 1/4 cup honey; 1/4 cup Dijon mustard; 1/4 cup mayonnaise; 1 Tbsp. distilled white vinegar; 1/4 tsp. salt; 1 pinch cayenne pepper

Jump to Recipe· 4.2 from 233 reviews

If you’re on the hunt for a crispy, flavorful, and utterly irresistible comfort dish, the Cornflake Chicken Tenders with Honey Mustard Sauce Recipe will become your new go-to. These chicken tenders have a perfectly crunchy cornflake coating that locks in juicy tenderness, while the homemade honey mustard sauce adds just the right balance of sweet and tangy to keep every bite exciting. It’s a family-friendly meal that’s easy to make, delightful to share, and guaranteed to put a smile on everyone’s face.

Ingredients You’ll Need

A white plate on a white marbled surface holds a meal with three main parts arranged side by side. On the left, there are two crispy golden-brown pieces of breaded chicken, textured with cornflakes and topped with small green parsley leaves. On the right side of the plate, there is a serving of small pasta shells coated lightly in a beige sauce. Above the pasta, there are several bright green broccoli florets with a juicy, fresh look. Near the top left, there is a small round wooden bowl filled with a smooth light yellow dipping sauce. The plate has extra green curly parsley as garnish underneath the chicken. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Gathering simple, pantry-friendly ingredients is the first step to making this dish shine. Each component plays an important role, whether it’s creating the crisp coating, seasoning the chicken just right, or adding that luscious, creamy dip that completes the experience.

2 lbs. chicken tenders: These thin strips cook quickly and stay tender inside the crispy coating.
2/3 cup All-Purpose Flour: Helps the coating stick while adding a light base crunch.
1 tsp. kosher salt: Essential for seasoning the chicken perfectly.
1 tsp. Italian seasoning: Brings a subtle herbal note that brightens the flavor.
1/4 tsp. chili powder: A gentle kick that complements the sweetness of the sauce.
2 large eggs, whisked: Acts as the adhesive for the cornflakes.
2 Tbsp. water: Lightens the egg wash for better coating coverage.
3 cups cornflakes, crushed: The star ingredient, providing incredible crunch and golden color.
Non-stick baking spray: Keeps the tenders crisp without extra oil.
Honey Mustard Sauce ingredients: honey, Dijon mustard, mayonnaise, distilled white vinegar, salt, and a pinch of cayenne for that perfect blend of sweet, tang, and subtle heat.

How to Make Cornflake Chicken Tenders with Honey Mustard Sauce Recipe

Step 1: Prepare the Chicken and Dry Mix

Start by rinsing and patting your chicken tenders dry. This helps the flour stick better. In a shallow dish, combine the all-purpose flour, kosher salt, Italian seasoning, and chili powder. This blend will give the chicken a well-rounded flavor base.

Step 2: Make the Egg Wash

Whisk together the eggs and water in another bowl until smooth. This wash not only helps the coating stick but also keeps the tenders juicy inside after baking.

Step 3: Crush the Cornflakes

Place your cornflakes in a large zip-top bag or a bowl and crush them gently with a rolling pin or your hands. You want smaller pieces but not powder — they should give your tenders that signature crunch.

Step 4: Coat the Chicken

Dip each tender first into the flour mixture, pressing lightly to coat. Then, dunk it into the egg wash, allowing any excess to drip off. Finally, press the chicken into the crushed cornflakes until fully covered. Lay each coated tender on a baking sheet as you go.

Step 5: Bake to Golden Perfection

Preheat your oven to 400°F (205°C). Spray a clean baking sheet with non-stick baking spray and spread out the coated tenders in a single layer. Lightly spray the tops with more baking spray to encourage browning. Bake for 20 to 25 minutes or until the chicken is cooked through and the crust is a beautiful golden brown.

Step 6: Whip Up the Honey Mustard Sauce

While the chicken cooks, stir together honey, Dijon mustard, mayonnaise, distilled white vinegar, salt, and cayenne in a small bowl. Adjust the cayenne to your preferred spice level. This sauce is creamy, tangy, and has just the right hint of sweetness.

How to Serve Cornflake Chicken Tenders with Honey Mustard Sauce Recipe

A white round shallow bowl filled with yellow beaten eggs, on top of which lies a chicken strip coated with flour. To the left of the bowl is a white plate filled with flour. Both bowls rest on a white marbled surface. The scene shows the preparation stage before cooking. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Garnishes

Fresh herbs like chopped parsley or chives sprinkled on top not only add a gorgeous pop of green but also a fresh flavor contrast that lifts the entire dish. Lemon wedges on the side invite a zesty squeeze that brightens every bite.

Side Dishes

These tenders pair beautifully with crisp, refreshing sides such as a light green salad or coleslaw. For a heartier meal, roasted vegetables or garlic mashed potatoes balance out the crispy chicken with comforting textures.

Creative Ways to Present

Elevate your presentation by serving the tenders on a wooden platter lined with parchment paper, with the honey mustard sauce in small bowls for dipping. Or stack them high with colorful sides to create an inviting spread that guests won’t be able to resist.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you have leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Keeping the tenders separate from the sauce helps maintain their crispness when reheated.

Freezing

You can freeze cooked tenders by placing them in a single layer on a baking sheet and freezing until solid. Then transfer to a freezer-safe bag or container and store for up to 2 months. This way, you can enjoy your favorite Cornflake Chicken Tenders with Honey Mustard Sauce Recipe anytime.

Reheating

Reheat tenders in an oven or toaster oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10-12 minutes to help retain that crispy crust. Avoid microwaving if you want to keep the crunch intact.

FAQs

Can I use a different type of cereal instead of cornflakes?

Absolutely! While cornflakes provide a classic crunch and mild flavor, you can experiment with crushed Rice Krispies, Cheerios, or even panko breadcrumbs. Keep in mind the coating texture may differ slightly.

Is this recipe suitable for gluten-free diets?

To make it gluten-free, use gluten-free all-purpose flour and ensure your cornflakes are certified gluten-free. Otherwise, the recipe is naturally very adaptable.

Can I make the honey mustard sauce ahead of time?

Yes! The sauce can be made up to 3 days in advance and stored in the fridge. Give it a good stir before serving, as ingredients may separate slightly.

What’s the best way to crush the cornflakes?

Place them in a sealable plastic bag and crush with a rolling pin or use your hands to break them up. Avoid pulverizing into powder, as the crunch is what makes the dish special.

Can I bake the tenders instead of frying for a healthier option?

Definitely! Baking at a high temperature with some non-stick spray gives you that same golden crispiness with less oil, making it an easier cleanup, healthier choice that doesn’t sacrifice flavor.

Final Thoughts

This Cornflake Chicken Tenders with Honey Mustard Sauce Recipe is truly a winner for anyone craving a crunchy, juicy chicken bite with a sauce that sings. It’s easy to make, fun to share, and perfect for weeknights or casual gatherings. Give it a try and watch it become a beloved staple in your recipe collection!